Fantasy Baseball: the time to buy David Price is now

We do a lot of posts here on who you should pick up or drop in leagues. Now here is one to show you who you should be targeting in trades. All of these players are owned in at least 85 percent of ESPN leagues, and are in the middle of the worst starts of their careers for the most part. Over the weekend I will let you know who you should be trying to buy low on.

This piece will deal with pitchers.   The outfielders are here.  The infielders are here.

May 7, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joe Nathan (36) pitches in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park. Detroit won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Relief Pitchers:

Joakim Soria, Rangers:  Soria seems to be the undisputed number one option in Texas now.  He will get plenty more save opportunities with the Rangers when they start playing better.  He should be a good guy to go after.

Joe Nathan, Tigers:  Nathan only has seven saves and an ERA over 4.  Is the Tigers’ bullpen really that big of a black hole?  Their track record certainly says so, but Nathan is one of the better ones.  I doubt he struggles like this all year long.  He is a player I would feel comfortable getting in a trade.

May 11, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) pitches against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Starting Pitchers:

David Price, Rays: Yes, I was that guy.  I was the guy that traded Price in May last year.  He then proceeded to set the world on fire the rest of the season.  So no, I am not discouraged by his 4.53 ERA.  He has only given up six walks in 53.2 innings pitched.  He is poised to look great down the stretch again.  You can bet I won’t be trading him again this year.  All of you will have to go bark up someone else’s tree.

Cole Hamels, Phillies: Hamels has been a train wreck in his first three starts, and has a 5.32 ERA and a bloated 1.72 WHIP.  Check his career numbers though, and you will see that he is a prime candidate to bounce back.  He has a 3.41 ERA and 1.15 WHIP.  His start against the Mets yesterday was vintage Hamels.  He went seven innings, striking out ten and giving up only one run.  Your chance to buy low could disappear by his next start.

Mike Minor, Braves:  Minor got torched by the Cardinals in his last outing, but he can be afforded a mulligan or two after coming off of the DL.  Find a Minor owner who is put off by his last outing and try to pry him away.

Homer Bailey, Reds: Bailey was giving up far too many of his namesake in his first few starts.  Yesterday against the Rockies though, he was superb after making a mechanical adjustment.  We all know Bailey has the talent.  This could be the beginning of his turnaround.  Go get him if you can.